Association between air pollution and hospital admissions for hypertension in Lanzhou, China

Air pollution has been accepted as an important risk factor for hypertension. However, little is known about the association between air pollution and hospitalization for hypertension. In this study, we explored the association between six criteria air pollutants and hypertension hospitalization in Lanzhou, China. An over-dispersed Poisson regression model combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used. In addition, we investigated the effect of modification by sex, age, and season. A total of 30,197 hospitalization cases were identified during the study period. A 10 mu g/m(3) increase in PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 concentrations or 1 mg/m(3) increment in CO was significantly associated with relative risks (RRs) of hospital admissions due to hypertension 1.026 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.010, 1.043], 1.010 (95%CI: 1.005, 1.015), 1.042 (95%CI: 1.001, 1.085), 1.028 (95%CI: 1.003, 1.052), and 1.106 (95%CI: 1.031, 1.186), respectively. No significant influence of O(3)8h was found on hypertension hospital admissions. The associations differed by individual characteristics; the elderly (>= 65 years) and females were highly vulnerable. The effects of PM2.5, SO2, and CO were more evident in the cool season than in the warm season. From exposure-response curves, we observe a nearly linear relationship for PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO. This study suggests that exposure to PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO is associated with hypertension morbidity.

Automated summary

The study found a significant association between six criteria air pollutants in Lanzhou, China and hospitalizations for hypertension, with PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO concentrations showing effects on relative risks for hypertension hospital admissions. The associations varied by individual characteristics and seasons, with the effects of PM2.5, SO2, and CO being more pronounced in the cool season. Exposure to these pollutants is associated with hypertension morbidity.